Date:11/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/11/stories/2008101154270500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

MIOT to host course on spine surgery

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: Surgery on the spine is turning a delicate art with the advancement of minimally invasive techniques characterised by minuscule incisions, less damage to normal tissue or ligament and speedy rehabilitation of the patient, doctors at MIOT Hospital said on Friday.

And as minimal invasive surgery gets more popular among spine specialists, doctors forecast more number of spine stabilisation procedures as against the conventional open surgery — which could remain the mainstay in specific conditions. An estimated 20 per cent of Indians suffer from back pain that requires clinical intervention.

The application of the keyhole concept in spine surgery has provided a breakthrough in achieving correction of disorders with least damage to muscle and nerves, said P.V.A. Mohandas, managing director, MIOT Hospitals. On Saturday, MIOT will host the first master’s course in minimally invasive spine surgery under the auspices of Indo German Orthopaedic Foundation.